Protection for law enforcement and first responders from substances that could contain fentanyl, carfentanil, or other powerful opioids.

Press Release-
updated: Feb 14, 2018

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA,
February 14, 2018 (Newswire.com) -
Opioid use in the United States is increasing dramatically. The effects of increased encounters with opioids on law enforcement and first responders can be deadly. According to the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, “Since fentanyl can be ingested orally, inhaled through the nose or mouth, or absorbed through the skin or eyes, any substance suspected to contain fentanyl should be treated with extreme caution as exposure to a small amount can lead to significant health‐related complications, respiratory depression, or death.”

DQE developed the Sentry Shield line of personal protective kits to protect police officers and first responders from white powdery substances that could contain fentanyl, carfentanil, or other powerful opioid-based substances. The Sentry Shield kits are configured based on the recommendations of the National Institutes of Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH) and the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). These personal protection kits range in coverage based on the severity of exposure levels responders may encounter. In all situations, employers must identify hazards to which their workers might be exposed and provide appropriate PPE to protect them.

Exposure to a small amount [of fentanyl] can lead to significant health‐related complications, respiratory depression, or death.

United States Drug Enforcement Administration

Due to the dangerous risk of exposure to hazardous opioid substances, it is critical to always be looking for fentanyl indicators. Illicit fentanyl, fentanyl‐related substances, and other synthetic opioids can resemble powdered drugs such as heroin or cocaine and have been identified in pills, capsules, liquid, and on blotter paper. Keep Sentry Shield PPE kits on hand when conducting motor vehicle stops, responding to calls for service, and arriving at a scene where there is a suspected overdose incident.

About DQEHeadquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, DQE designs and sells essential products that emergency responders depend on to enhance their jobs while saving lives. Learn more about DQE and its family of products at www.dqeready.com.